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Pitchfork instead of smartphone

The video series “The Alp Apprentice”

Fed up with the daily office routine and first-world stress? At some point we all feel the urge to leave our jobs behind and do something completely different. It’s this longing that we want to satisfy, at least for one person. So in cooperation with Switzerland Tourism, we looked for an intern to take part in a two-week alpine internship. Leaving the city and learning a centuries-old craft. Surrounded by the breath-taking Swiss mountain landscape. Talk about a change of scene!

From city dweller to mountain farmer

Stefan, a 28-year-old Zuricher, completed a multi-stage application process. For two weeks, he’ll now wield a pitchfork instead of a smartphone and hang out among haystacks instead of at nightclubs. Mountain farmer Res and his family are looking forward to welcoming the city dweller - and know exactly how to make sure that Stefan won’t get bored during his stay.

The alp apprentice – intro

Before the adventure began, we met our two protagonists. Find out more about this odd couple in our intro film.

The alp apprentice – episode 1

No sooner has Stefan arrived in picturesque Diemtigtal than it's time to get down to work. Res kits the city slicker out with some suitable clothing for the alp and promptly gets him working up a sweat.

The alp apprentice – episode 2

The working day on the alp starts at 5 a.m., which takes some getting used to for Stefan – as do his new animal friends.

The alp apprentice – episode 3

From the field to the cheese cellar. Stefan ventures into cheese production and already thinks he's a pro at it. Res, though, isn’t entirely convinced by his intern's skills. Will harmony on the Alp come to a sudden end?

The alp apprentice – episode 4

Stefan and Res reflect on the two-week alp apprenticeship. Life on the Alp can be romantic, but it is first and foremost hard work. What does Reese think about Stefan’s performance at work and is Stefan happy to return to urban life?

8 facts about the Alpine way of life in Switzerland

Please click on the red animation for useful information about life on the Alp. In order to close the box just click again.

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All summer long: An Alp is farmed from June to September – depending on the weather and altitude.

Moo-ve along: Around 400,000 dairy cows, bullocks and calves moo-ve up to the Alp every summer.

Visit to a picturesque alpine farm

A sensational panorama, peace, quiet and nature at 1,500 meters above sea level: The high-level alp occupied by the Murith family in the Fribourg Alps makes an idyllic impression on visitors. Gruyère d’Alpage AOP cheese has been produced here in the traditional way summer after summer for five generations. Discover the Murith family's way of life on the Alp and the secret behind their fine cheese in impressive surroundings.

High-altitude vacation experiences

Rent an alpine hut

Fancy getting back to nature, while enjoying peace, quiet and a slower pace of life in the Swiss mountains? You can now rent one of over 200 alpine huts that are not used by alpine farms from Switzerland Tourism directly. The accommodation available ranges from very simple to very luxurious. But the huts all have one thing in common - you'll get a good night's sleep whichever one you choose.

Book an experience on the Alp

Would you like to produce Alp cheese together with Alpine herdsman Sälmi Töngi? Taking part in an alphorn workshop run by gifted musician and herdsman Werner Erb? Or perhaps you'd prefer to stay in a hayloft on Jakob and Erika's Alp? Experience unique moments on the Alp and book the new leisure offers from Switzerland Tourism here too.

We are #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND. Are you?

The best #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND stories and photos in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism. Let yourself be inspired and share your unforgettable moments with us using the hashtag #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND and #UBSAlp.